We are considering putting together our own bicycle trip rather than going thru a tour operator. How easy would it be to rent bicycles for a RT around Lake Konstanz or in France? Is the cost savings worth the headache of booking our own hotels, transfering bags, renting bikes etc? Has anybody done this with children?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Based on experience with 2 touring and bike-rental companies in France, this sort of arrangement is generally not difficult, though I have no knowledge of the area around Lake Konstanz (or experience touring with children).
Tour or bike-rental agencies often offer a menu of services from which you can choose. That might include rental of bikes, helmets, and panniers; reservations and itinerary planning; and hauling your bags.
Many deliver to or pick up bikes at remote locations, allowing an "open jaws" itinerary. There are fees for most of these services. Advice on routes is free.
If you view planning as a headache this it might be worth the cost.
Hauling your own bags imposes special logistical constraints. If you leave your non-cycling luggage at a hotel then you'll have to return there at the end of your tour. Also for a multi-day tour you'll need to carry gear for all kinds of weather.
A worthy alternative is to plan day trips from a central base or bases.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Here's what you need to know about cycling around the Lake of Constance:http://www.bodensee-radweg.com/startpage.html
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1893 posts
You might also consider doing a "self guided" tour. They are less expensive than ones with guides and easy to do. Most bike tour companies offer this as a lower cost trip.
On self guided tours, all the routes and hotels are chosen for you, and you can usually add a day, or make a change of route. They tranfer your luggage for you (the biggest headache!) you rent the bike from them, they give you a book with ideas of sights to see as well as places to eat.
I've found some great tours by doing a google search including the words "self guided bike tour ...." then choose the country. Contact the company with your specific needs. After 2 guided tours, we've sworn off these and have taken 4 self guided tours, and never enjoyed biking more!
With children (you don't mention ages) the tour just got more difficult! Take the hassle out of planning and logistics and hire a tour company that knows the area, hotels, etc. It will make your well deserved holiday more enjoyable!
Posted by
Houston
86 posts
My husband and I are opting instead for building in several days of biking along the way. In Switzerland, we'll be following part of Ricks ride in his Berner Oberland section. In Amsterdam, we are going both through the city and away. We are biking along the Rhine in Germany. This allows us to rent bikes in various portions of the continent without the logistics of bag transfers. It also helps us hedge against awful weather.